NAIROBI, KENYA :The seventh edition of the Kip Keino Classic, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold, delivered an electrifying evening of competition at Nyayo National Stadium, with multiple meeting records and world-leading performances in front of an excited crowd.
Olympic Champions Light Up the Track and Field
The highlight of the meet was a string of standout performances by some of the sport’s biggest names:
Camryn Rogers Dominates Women’s Hammer Throw
Canadian hammer-throw superstar Camryn Rogers produced one of the greatest performances of the day. After a strong opening, she unleashed a massive 80.03 m throw — setting a new meeting record and an African all-comers’ record — to claim gold in dominant fashion.
Gabby Thomas Completes Sprint Double
American sprint sensation Gabby Thomas was unstoppable on the track, winning both the 100 m (11.01 s) and the 200 m in a world-leading 21.89 s — a stunning double that thrilled fans and showcased her elite speed and consistency.
Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage Sets Javelin Record
Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage put on a masterful javelin performance, hurling the spear 89.28 m — a new meeting best — and announcing himself firmly among the world’s top throwers this season.
More Highlights from a Star-Studded Meet
Ethan Katzberg continued Canada’s hammer throw dominance with a world-leading 82.43 m winning throw in the men’s event.
Home favorite Ferdinand Omanyala delighted Kenyan fans with a sprint victory in the men’s 100 m, clocking 9.96 s under the lights.
In distance action, Olympic 800 m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi stepped up to the 1500 m and impressed with a personal best 3:34.11, beating a field of specialist milers.
Norway’s Amalie Iuel also set a new world-leading mark in the women’s 400 m hurdles (54.12 s), breaking her own meeting record in the process.
Other strong showings included a close men’s 400 m, explosive sprints in the 200 m, and several national athletes topping events in the meet’s national programme.
What Makes the Kip Keino Classic Special
The Kip Keino Classic is more than just a meet — it is Africa’s premier World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event, attracting Olympic champions, world-leading performers, and rising stars from around the globe.
This year’s edition introduced a first-ever night schedule, new track surfaces, and Wavelight pacing technology, adding depth and excitement to every event under the Kenyan night sky.
From record-breaking throws to world-leading sprints and thrilling finishes, the 2026 Kip Keino Classic lived up to its elite billing. With packed stands, elite fields and historic marks, Nairobi once again proved its place on the global athletics stage.
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